PUBLIC ORDER
Checks and Balances
To minimise the possibility of any abuse of power, the ICAC is subject to a stringent system of checks and balances. In addition, the exercise of a number of special powers is now subject to close judicial supervision.
The commission's four advisory committees play an important role in monitoring and supervising the work of the ICAC. At the policy level, it is guided by the Advisory Committee on Corruption. The Operations Review Committee (ORC) receives and considers progress reports on current major investigations, all investigations over one year old and all bail cases of six months duration or more. It may draw to the Chief Executive's attention any aspect of the work of the Operations Department or any problem encountered by the ORC. Two other committees, the Citizens Advisory Committee on Community Relations and the Corruption Prevention Advisory Committee, review and give advice on the work of the Community Relations Department and Corruption Prevention Department respectively. All advisory committees are chaired by non-official members.
The public may lodge formal complaints against ICAC officers to the ICAC Complaints Committee. It consists of members of the Executive and Provisional Legislative Councils, and other prominent citizens. The commission also has an internal investigation group which monitors the conduct of its officers and investigates complaints against ICAC officers.
Into the 21st Century
The HKSAR Government is committed to fight corruption in every area of public and private life. Keeping corruption under control is essential to the community's continued stability and prosperity. The ICAC will build on its achievements in the past and enhance its preventive and enforcement capability. With the support of the community, the commission looks to the 21st century with confidence.
Government Laboratory
The Forensic Science Division of the Government Laboratory provides a specialist scientific service to the criminal justice system in Hong Kong. The division's services, which have been accredited by the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors/Laboratory Accreditation Board (ASCLD/LAB), are rendered mainly to government departments dealing with law and order, although private sector and subvented organisations can also make use of them on a cost-recovery basis. The division aims to provide an impartial, accurate and efficient service to its clients.
Sixty of the division's 150 staff are professional forensic scientists operating in two broad groups covering seven specialist areas. One group, which covers controlled drugs and toxicology, deals with a high volume of cases including illicit drugs analysis in cases of possession, trafficking and manufacturing, possession of controlled pharmaceutical preparations, analytical toxicology in certain death enquiries and blood alcohol determination in suspected drink-driving offences.
The other group covers a wide range of physical and biochemical evidence in cases including homicide, arson, robbery, fraud, sexual assault and traffic accidents. A comprehensive 24-hour scene of crime attendance service is also in operation.
281